Chapter 55: Cannes Awards Ceremony

In the Cannes morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains into the hotel room. Xiang Qian stood by the window, gazing at the distant azure Mediterranean Sea, his fingers tapping lightly on the windowsill.

"Knock, knock, knock—" The sound of rapping echoed.

"Come in."

Cheng Long pushed the door open, excitement on his face: "Qian-zi, people are already filing into the screening hall!"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow: "So early?"

"Of course!" Cheng Long rubbed his hands together. "Our film is the most anticipated work of the year!"

Hui Hui Yinghong walked in holding a cup of coffee, taking an elegant sip: "I just passed Hall 4; the media reporters have already set up their cameras."

Ti Lung leaned against the doorframe, a cigar in his mouth: "How about it? Nervous?"

Xiang Qian chuckled lightly: "What's there to be nervous about? The filming is already done."

Everyone burst into laughter.

At the entrance of Hall 4, a crowd surged.

"Aiven! What are your expectations for being selected for the Main Competition this time?" a French reporter asked, holding up a microphone.

Xiang Qian smiled politely: "Being able to come to Cannes is the greatest honor."

Lin Lin Qingxia and Zhao Zhao Yazhi stood on the red carpet as camera flashes continuously lit up. The two goddesses, dressed in long gowns, appeared elegant and composed.

"Brigittelin, is this your first time at Cannes?"

Lin Lin Qingxia smiled faintly: "Yes, but I hope it won't be the last."

Inside the screening hall, the lights gradually dimmed, and the film began to play.

That evening, everyone gathered in Xiang Qian's suite; no one spoke.

Fang Fang Yihua gently swirled her wine glass, her gaze fixed on the night scene outside the window.

"Ring-ring—" The telephone bell suddenly rang, sounding particularly shrill in the quiet room.

Everyone's eyes focused on the phone.

Xiang Qian walked over and picked up the receiver: "Hello?"

"Hello, this is the Cannes Film Festival Organizing Committee. We sincerely invite the cast and crew of 'Parasite' to attend the official banquet tomorrow evening..."

After hanging up the phone, the room erupted in cheers!

"We won an award!" Cheng Long jumped up excitedly. "By convention, only award-winning films are invited to the official banquet!"

Hui Hui Yinghong covered her mouth, her eyes slightly red: "Oh my god..."

Ti Lung patted Xiang Qian on the shoulder: "Good lad! You really did it!"

Liu Liu Jialing laughed and gave him a playful push: "Get a hold of yourself!"

The next day, the Lumière Hall was resplendent with gold and splendor.

The host stepped onto the stage and began announcing the awards: "Best Director... 'Parasite'—Aiven Wu!"

Thunderous applause erupted!

Xiang Qian stood up, embracing Cheng Long, Hui Hui Yinghong, Ti Lung, and others one by one.

Walking up to the podium, he took a deep breath:

"Thank you, Cannes, and thank you to the jury for bestowing this honor. This award belongs to the entire team—thank you, Ms. Fang Fang Yihua, for your trust, and thank you to every staff member, both on-screen and behind the scenes."

He raised the trophy, his gaze firm:

"'Parasite' tells a story of human nature, and the power of cinema lies in allowing us to see one another. Thank you, everyone."

Below the stage, Fang Fang Yihua nodded with gratification.

"Next is the award for Best Actor..." The host opened the envelope. "The winner is... Jackie Chen!"

Cheng Long froze, as if in a dream.

"Brother Lung! Go up there!" Zhou Xingxing gave him a push.

Cheng Long stumbled to his feet, his eyes reddening: "I... I really didn't expect this..."

Standing on stage, the kung fu star's voice choked slightly:

"Oh my god... I've made movies for forty years, and finally, I've received a major international award." He wiped the corner of his eye. "I especially thank Director Wu Xiangqian; he made me realize that action actors can also deliver performances with depth. I thank my master, Yu Jim-yuen; although he always scolded me, he taught me perseverance."

He raised the trophy and suddenly struck a signature kung fu pose, drawing laughter from the entire audience:

"Finally, I must thank all the audience members; you let me know that Jackie Chen doesn't just know how to fight, but also how to act! Merci beaucoup!"

"Best Actress... Mara Hui!"

Hui Hui Yinghong rose gracefully as Lin Lin Qingxia and Zhao Zhao Yazhi adjusted the hem of her gown for her.

Standing on the podium, the actress known deeply for her "fighting girl" image spoke with a voice that was soft yet firm:

"Thirty years ago, when I debuted as a martial arts actress, no one believed I could perform in dramatic roles. Today, this award is dedicated to all women who have been labeled—we can combine strength with gentleness; we can be both warriors and poets."

She looked toward Xiang Qian in the audience:

"I especially thank Director Wu; you saw possibilities that others did not. This role allowed me to rediscover myself; it turns out Hui Hui Yinghong doesn't just know how to fight, but also how to shed tears."

The final highlight arrived.

"The Palme d'Or..." The host deliberately drew out the syllables, and the entire hall held its breath.

"'Parasite'!"

The entire cast and crew erupted in excitement!

Xiang Qian and Fang Fang Yihua led everyone onto the stage. Fang Fang Yihua took the microphone, her voice trembling slightly:

"As the producer, I want to thank Director Xiang Qian for his talent and perseverance. Three years ago, when we decided to make this film, many said it was too risky. But today proves that a good story is always worth the risk."

She scanned the audience below:

"This award belongs to the Xiangjiang filmmakers, proving that we can not only make commercial films but also create art films that move the world."

Xiang Qian gave the final speech, raising the Palme d'Or:

"Film is a mirror, reflecting the cracks in society and the faint glow of human nature. The success of 'Parasite' proves that people from different cultural backgrounds can resonate with the same emotions."

He looked toward his team:

"Thank you to all the actors for your dedication—Brother Cheng Long's groundbreaking performance, Sister Hui Hui Yinghong's nuanced portrayal, Brother Di Long's steady interpretation... It is you who brought this story to life."

"Finally, this award is dedicated to all those who still look up at the starry sky despite being in dire straits. Cinema never dies; dreams endure forever!"

At the banquet, the champagne tower sparkled brilliantly.

Cheng Long raised his wine glass, his face flushed red: "Qianzi! What shall we film next?"

Xiang Qian swirled his wine glass: "Let's just enjoy tonight first."

Zhou Xingxing leaned in and said earnestly, "Brother Qian, remember to call me for a role next time; I'll act for zero remuneration!"

Lin Lin Qingxia and Zhao Zhao Yazhi stood on the terrace, gazing at the night view.

"Lin Qingxia, what are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking..." Lin Lin Qingxia took a sip of champagne, "a new era for Chinese-language cinema is about to begin."

In the distance, fireworks bloomed, illuminating the night sky over Cannes.